Old Brown Shoe
The Beatles
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Standing in the dock at Southampton Trying to get to Holland or France. The man in the mac said you've got to go back, You know they didn't even give us a chance. Christ! You know it ain't easy, You know how hard it can be. The way things are going, They're going to crucify me. Finally made the plane into Paris, Honeymooning down by the Seine. Peter Brown called to say, You can make it OK, You can get married in Gibraltar near Spain. Christ! You know it ain't easy, You know how hard it can be. The way things are going, They're going to crucify me. Drove from Paris to the Amsterdam Hilton, Talking in our beds for a week. The newspapers said, say what're you doing in bed, I said we're only trying to get us some peace. Christ! You know it ain't easy, You know how hard it can be. The way things are going, They're going to crucify me. Saving up your money for a rainy day, Giving all your clothes to charity. Last night the wife said, Oh boy, when you're dead you Don't take nothing with you but your soul think! Made a lightning trip to Vienna, Eating chocolate cake in a bag. The newspapers said, She's gone to his head, They look just like two Gurus in a drag. Christ! You know it ain't easy, You know how hard it can be. The way things are going, They're going to crucify me. Caught the early plane back to London, Fifty acorns tied in a sack. The men from the press said we wish you success, It's good to have the both of you back. Christ! You know it ain't easy, You know how hard it can be. The way things are going, They're going to crucify me
Watch: New Singing Lesson Videos Can Make Anyone A Great Singer
Written by: John Lennon, Paul Mccartney
Lyrics © Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC
Lyrics Licensed & Provided by LyricFind
12 facts about this song
Song Composition"Old Brown Shoe" was written by George Harrison of The Beatles. This song shows Harrison's diverse approach to songwriting, blending bluesy, rock elements with more sophisticated musical structures.
|
Release DetailsThe song was first released as a B-side to "The Ballad of John and Yoko," on May 30, 1969. A Beatles' single release, it appeared with an A-side track that was not included on an album for the first time.
|
Lead VocalsUnlike many Beatles songs led by either Paul McCartney or John Lennon, "Old Brown Shoe" is distinct as it features George Harrison on lead vocals.
|
Recording SessionsThe initial recording of the song took place at EMI Studios in London on February 25, 1969, during the sessions for the "Abbey Road" album. The final version was later recorded in April and May of the same year.
|
Unofficial DebutThe song was first played unofficially by George Harrison on Billy Preston's electric piano during the "Get Back/ Let It Be" sessions.
|
Unique Bass LinePaul McCartney, renowned for his versatile bass playing, delivered a unique and memorable bassline in this song, contributing to its groovy feel.
|
Varied Song InterpretationsHarrison never clearly explained the song's meaning leading to various interpretations, some suggest it refers to the struggle between spiritual goals and materialistic desires.
|
Live PerformanceGeorge Harrison performed "Old Brown Shoe" live during his tour of Japan in 1991. It marked one of the rare times a Beatles song written by Harrison was performed live.
|
Harrison's OpinionAccording to Harrison, he thought the song was a good exercise in writing a pop song with its clever wordplay and catchy rhythm.
|
Music Video"Old Brown Shoe" also got its own music video which featured on the Beatles’ 2015 video compilation 1, underlining the song's ongoing popularity.
|
Vox Continental OrganA striking feature in "Old Brown Shoe" is the organ track that provides a groovy and upbeat tempo. The organ used was a "Vox Continental".
|
Cover VersionsThe song was covered by artists like Gary Brooker of Procol Harum and Scottish musician Lawrence Gowan, demonstrating its impact and longevity.
|
Citation
Use the citation below to add these lyrics to your bibliography:
Style:MLAChicagoAPA
"Old Brown Shoe Lyrics." Lyrics.com. STANDS4 LLC, 2024. Web. 29 Mar. 2024. <https://www.lyrics.com/lyric/30443979/The+Beatles/Old+Brown+Shoe>.
Discuss the Old Brown Shoe Lyrics with the community:
Report Comment
We're doing our best to make sure our content is useful, accurate and safe.
If by any chance you spot an inappropriate comment while navigating through our website please use this form to let us know, and we'll take care of it shortly.
Attachment
You need to be logged in to favorite.
Log In